The Friends star passed away at 53 after struggling with addiction
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, died from the effects of the drug ketamine, according to the autopsy report released by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
The report stated that Perry had a fatal level of ketamine in his system, along with traces of cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol. The manner of death was ruled as accidental.
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that can cause hallucinations, dissociation, and euphoria. It is also used as a recreational drug and a date rape drug. Ketamine can have serious side effects, such as respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and brain damage.
Perry’s long battle with substance abuse
Perry had been open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. He had been to rehab several times and had admitted to abusing alcohol, prescription pills, and other drugs.
He once said in an interview, “I was a sick guy. I couldn’t stop. Eventually things got so bad that I couldn’t hide it, and then everybody knew.”
Perry had also suffered from pancreatitis, a condition that can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption. He had undergone surgery to remove part of his pancreas in 2018.
Perry’s legacy as a beloved actor and comedian
Perry was one of the most popular and successful actors of his generation. He rose to fame as one of the six main cast members of Friends, which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. He earned multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance as the sarcastic and witty Chandler Bing.
He also starred in several movies, such as The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, and Fools Rush In. He also appeared on other TV shows, such as The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and The Good Fight.
Perry was widely loved and respected by his fans, friends, and colleagues. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and humor. He had also been involved in various charitable causes, such as supporting veterans, fighting homelessness, and raising awareness about addiction.
He is survived by his fiancée, Molly Hurwitz, his mother, Suzanne Perry, and his sister, Mia Perry. He will be greatly missed by millions of people around the world.
